Arindam Sarkar
Abstract
Managing crop residue poses a growing challenge for the sustainable advancement of Indian agricultural science and environmental preservation, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Agricultural communities require education on the detrimental effects of burning crop residues in fields and the importance of integrating crop residues into the soil to conserve sustainable agricultural productivity and reduce production costs through alternative practices. Effective collection and management of crop residues are essential for utilizing it as a soil amendment, substrate for mushroom cultivation, incorporation into fields, bio-energy fuel, biochar production, and more. Crop residues can serve as livestock feed, fuel, industrial raw materials, compost ingredients, etc., holding significant economic value. Resource-conserving technologies such as zero-tillage, happy seeder utilization, bed planting, and polyculture, coupled with innovative residue management practices, community involvement, and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations, offer promising alternatives to energy-intensive and input-dependent farming methods.